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Exploring Tokyo, from Shiba Park Hotel 151

Tokyo had been on the very top of my bucket list for a very long time and I was thrilled to finally spend a week there in November! As a starting point, I couldn’t have done better than at the Shiba Park Hotel 151. Not just because it was recently renovated, but because I have rarely received such personal attention and care as there.

After the quick check in, a friendly staff member showed us to our room and at the conclusion of his room tour, instead of waiting for a tip, he extended his hand to present us two presents: tiny origami hats that he had folded himself! This lovely touch underlined the open invitation to learn about Japanese culture that the Shiba Park extends to its guests.

The room was very spacious for Tokyo standards, which I think compare best to New York. The bathroom was large and had a separate toilet with one of those utterly brilliant Japanese contraptions (shine, polish and flush) that I love, if only for the heated seats! Wifi was free, fast and reliable, which are three of the most important things for me in hotel rooms these days. I just can’t stand hotels that charge extra for decent internet access. Great to see that the Shiba Park 151 hotel understands how it should be done! The bed was also wonderful, my worries about hard beds in Japan were based on false information…

The bathroom was large and had a separate toilet with one of those utterly brilliant Japanese contraptions (shine, polish and flush) that I love, if only for the heated seats! Wifi was free, fast and reliable, which are three of the most important things for me in hotel rooms these days. I just can’t stand hotels that charge extra for decent internet access. Great to see that the Shiba Park 151 hotel understands how it should be done! The bed was also wonderful, my worries about hard beds in Japan were based on false information…

In the Salon “SAKURA” on the second floor, guests can experience Japanese culture, entertainment, and elements of lifestyle during their stay. Activities range from origami to matcha and sake tasting classes and I really regret not having had the time to participate during this stay! But Tokyo and its many wonders, like the vintage stores that make it a true vintage walhalla, kept beckoning me to explore…

The food at its restaurant ”Old City” was amazingly fresh. For breakfast there was a buffet and some à la carte options. And my personal favorite for lunch was definitely the lobster roll!

Looking at a map, you may think that the proximity to Tokyo Tower is important. It surely is an eye catcher, as are the various Shinto temples around Shiba Park, where the hotel gets its name from, Japan’s oldest public park. But once you move around Tokyo like we did, you come to understand that the real joy of a hotel in the Minato district, is that it offers quick and easy access to the Shibuya, Ginza or Shinjuku neighborhoods. It took us no more than 15 minutes by subway to get to all of them, plus our 4 am early morning aka late midnight trip to the Tokyo Fish Market was a breeze as well. Hamamatsucho and Daimon stations are a few minutes walking distance. The boyfriend just loved all the small local restaurants that we walked by on our way to and from the hotel: sushi, yakiniku (grilled, barbecue style), ramen (noodles) are all around as are various coffee and tea places that I just loved.

As you will be able to tell from my upcoming posts about my Tokyo trip, I just loved it in Japan and I can’t wait to go back. And when I do, the Shiba Park 151 Hotel will be on top of my list of places to stay!

Your pictures are absolutely stunning! The hotel looks great but I enjoy your street photogrpahy even more. Really beautiful shots and I can actually get an impression of what Tokyo looks like!
Xx
Rosa Larissa Klaraconscious lifestyle of mine

I absolutely love reading your travel stories Merel! The beautiful relay of your stay from the room decor to the amenities (yay to free wifi!) and the food services, sounds like a very well-rounded stay! Did you pick up something while exploring the neighborhood? The food truck looks like it’s got some really good local food up its sleeve! 🙂 xo~ Lenahttp://www.thewanderliste.com

Tokyo has always been a place I’d like to visit, and it sounds like you had such a wonderful time there. I’ve had my fair share of terrible hotel experiences largely contributed by terrible customer service, but Shiba Park Hotel sounds like it’s got that nailed down — you can’t get any better than a personal touch to welcoming guests, can you?

Another amazing trip I would love to take one day. I really the simple but interesting looking hotel. It’s great the have a nice restaurant there. I’m looking forward to reading more about your trip. Nice post!http://www.comfycozyup.com

Omg what an incredible experience! Japan is in my bucket list too, I think it’s a unique country where the traditional and the ultra modern culture live together yet in contrast. The hotel you were staying sounds so professional and super friendly, great pick!
Hope you have a wonderful 2017, dear!!

Oh Tokyo is definitely very high up on my list as well! I really wanna see this place and eat the REAL Japanese food 🙂 This hotel looks very cool – I will keep it in mind for sure 🙂
xx, Carmen – http://www.carmitive.com